SEPTEMBER 18, 2025
Topic: “CULTIVATING HUMILITY & SERVANTHOOD“
Text: Phil. 2:3
Memory Verse: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” – James 5:16.“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” – Phil. 2:3.
One of the serious barriers to intimacy is Pride and the self-seeking spirit which promotes unhealthy competition that can only lead to division, separation and the distancing of the spirit from one another.
To overcome this barrier of the manifestation of flesh, you must never act from separate interests in recognition that we being brethren, are of one body. We are to labour and strive for the welfare of the whole since we ought to have the common goal of wellbeing, preservation while in this world and to make heaven our final desired destination. In the exercise of our different functions within the body, our gifts do nothing to promote our reputation separately as compared with the comfort, honour and advantage of all and should give us only a humbling view of ourselves. This should lead to prefer others to ourselves.
We do nothing in an attempt to outstrip others or show that we have more talent, courage or zeal. We must forbid doing anything to attract attention to self, in eloquence, or song for men’s applause but to do all things in modesty and humility having the low estimate of our importance before God and man. Gal. 5:26 “let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another”
Pride and self-seeking tendencies within the church is evidence of unregenerate minds in which Christ, the bond of love and intimacy cannot thrive. He actually rebuffs, hates pride and such like that. Christ would not operate in such an environment.
Have my God-given talent and allowed successes made me prideful? Is my service to show prowess and ability? Is my pursuance of excellence to show off and place me before others? Is my service in the community to make me distinct rather than be an object of service to God?
PRAYER: I open myself to your scrutiny. Do an x-ray of me to expose and expunge all areas that tend towards pride and self-seeking nature. I do not wish to be a barrier to your goal of making your church “One Body”. Help me to embrace intimacy and to promote servant leadership with mutual honour in your church, Amen.